II
Thank you for buying this Pioneer product.
Please read through these operating instructions so
you will know how to operate your model properly.
After you have finished reading the instructions, put
them away in a safe place for future reference.
[For U.S. model]
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The serial number for this equipment is located on
the rear panel. Please write this serial number on your
enclosed warranty card and keep it in a secure area.
This is for your security.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE.
THE STANDBY/ON BUTTON IS
SECONDARY CONNECTED AND
THEREFORE DOES NOT SEPARATE THE
UNIT FROM MAINS POWER IN STANDBY
POSITION.
IMPORTANT
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
"dangerous voltage" within the product's
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO
USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
Information to User
Alteration or modifications carried out without appropriate authorization may invalidate the user's right to
operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursu-
ant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency en-
ergy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
[For Canadian model]
This Class B digital apparatus complies with
Canadian ICES-003.
[Pour le modèle Canadien]
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est
conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
[For Canadian model]
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
NOT USE THIS (POLARIZED) PLUG WITH AN EXTEN-
SION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UN-
LESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PRE-
VENT BLADE EXPOSURE.
ATTENTION: POUR PREVENIR LES CHOCS
ELECTRIQUES NE PAS UTILISER CETTE FICHE
POLARISEE AVEC UN PROLONGATEUR, UNE PRISE
DE COURANT OU UNE AUTRE SORTIE DE COURANT,
SAUF SI LES LAMES PEUVENT ETRE INSERESS A
FOND SANS EN LAISSER AUCUNE PARTIE A
DECOUVERT.
ATTENTION: AFIN DE PREVENIR TOUS
RISQUES DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE OU DE DEBUT
D'ENCENDIE, NE PAS EXPOSER CET APPAREIL A
L'HUMIDITE OU A LA PLUIE.
LE BOUTON STANDBY/ON EST RACCORDE
SECONDAIREMENT ET PAR CONSEQUENT
NE SEPARE PAS L’APPAREIL DE
L’ALIMENTATION SECTEUR SUR LA
POSITION D’ATTENTE.
III
READ INSTRUCTIONS — All the safety
and operating instructions should be
read before the product is operated.
RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS — The safety and
operating instructions should be retained
for future reference.
HEED WARNINGS — All warnings on the
product and in the operating instructions
should be adhered to.
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS — All operating
and use instructions should be followed.
CLEANING — Unplug this product from the
wall outlet before cleaning. The product
should be cleaned only with a polishing
cloth or a soft dry cloth. Never clean
with furniture wax, benzine, insecticides
or other volatile liquids since they may
corrode the cabinet.
ATTACHMENTS — Do not use attachments
not recommended by the product
manufacturer as they may cause
hazards.
WATER AND MOISTURE — Do not use
this product near water — for example,
near a bathtub, wash bowl, kitchen sink,
or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or
near a swimming pool; and the like.
ACCESSORIES — Do not place this product
on an unstable cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table. The product may fall,
causing serious injury to a child or adult,
and serious damage to the product. Use
only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table recommended by the
manufacturer, or sold with the product.
Any mounting of the product should
follow the manufacturer’s instructions,
and should use a mounting accessory
recommended by the manufacturer.
CART — A product and cart combination
should be moved with care. Quick stops,
excessive force, and uneven surfaces
may cause the product and cart
combination to overturn.
VENTILATION — Slots and openings in the
cabinet are provided for ventilation and
to ensure reliable operation of the
product and to protect it from
overheating, and these openings must
not be blocked or covered. The openings
should never be blocked by placing the
product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other
similar surface. This product should not
be placed in a built-in installation such
as a bookcase or rack unless proper
ventilation is provided or the
manufacturer’s instructions have been
adhered to.
POWER SOURCES — This product should
be operated only from the type of power
source indicated on the marking label. If
you are not sure of the type of power
supply to your home, consult your
product dealer or local power company.
LOCATION – The appliance should be in-
stalled in a stable location.
NONUSE PERIODS – The power cord of
the appliance should be unplugged from
the outlet when left un-used for a long
period of time.
GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION
÷ If this product is equipped with a
polarized alternating current line plug (a
plug having one blade wider than the
other), it will fit into the outlet only one
way. This is a safety feature. If you are
unable to insert the plug fully into the
outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug
should still fail to fit, contact your
electrician to replace your obsolete
outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose
of the polarized plug.
÷ If this product is equipped with a three-
wire grounding type plug, a plug having
a third (grounding) pin, it will only fit into
a grounding type power outlet. This is a
safety feature. If you are unable to insert
the plug into the outlet, contact your
electrician to replace your obsolete
outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose
of the grounding type plug.
POWER-CORD PROTECTION — Power-
supply cords should be routed so that
they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed upon or against
them, paying particular attention to cords
at plugs, convenience receptacles, and
the point where they exit from the
product.
OUTDOOR ANTENNA GROUNDING — If
an outside antenna or cable system is
connected to the product, be sure the
antenna or cable system is grounded so
as to provide some protection against
voltage surges and built-up static
charges. Article 810 of the National
Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides
information with regard to proper
grounding of the mast and supporting
structure, grounding of the lead-in wire
to an antenna discharge unit, size of
grounding conductors, location of
antenna-discharge unit, connection to
grounding electrodes, and requirements
for the grounding electrode. See Figure
A.
LIGHTNING — For added protection for this
product during a lightning storm, or when
it is left unattended and unused for long
periods of time, unplug it from the wall
outlet and disconnect the antenna or
cable system. This will prevent damage
to the product due to lightning and
power-line surges.
POWER LINES — An outside antenna
system should not be located in the
vicinity of overhead power lines or other
electric light or power circuits, or where
it can fall into such power lines or circuits.
When installing an outside antenna
system, extreme care should be taken
to keep from touching such power lines
or circuits as contact with them might
be fatal.
OVERLOADING — Do not overload wall
outlets, extension cords, or integral
convenience receptacles as this can
result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY — Never
push objects of any kind into this product
through openings as they may touch
dangerous voltage points or short-out
parts that could result in a fire or electric
shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on
the product.
SERVICING — Do not attempt to service
this product yourself as opening or
removing covers may expose you to
dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.
DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE — Unplug
this product from the wall outlet and
refer servicing to qualified service
personnel under the following
conditions:
÷ When the power-supply cord or plug is
damaged.
÷ If liquid has been spilled, or objects
have fallen into the product.
÷ If the product has been exposed to rain
or water.
÷ If the product does not operate normally
by following the operating instructions.
Adjust only those controls that are
covered by the operating instructions
as an improper adjustment of other
controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a
qualified technician to restore the
product to its normal operation.
÷ If the product has been dropped or
damaged in any way.
÷ When the product exhibits a distinct
change in performance — this indicates
a need for service.
REPLACEMENT PARTS — When
replacement parts are required, be sure
the service technician has used
replacement parts specified by the
manufacturer or have the same
characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result
in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
SAFETY CHECK — Upon completion of any
service or repairs to this product, ask
the service technician to perform safety
checks to determine that the product is
in proper operating condition.
WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING — The
product should not be mounted to a
wall or ceiling.
HEAT — The product should be situated
away from heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
products (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
GROUND
CLAMP
ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250, PART H)
ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT
Fig. A
ANTENNA
LEAD IN
WIRE
NEC — NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
IV
This is a quick guide to setting up your new receiver so you can get home theater surround sound. For more
details on any of the information presented here check the main section of the manual.
Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from
the AC outlet.
11
11
1 Hooking Up Your DVD Player & TV
In order to use Dolby Digital/DTS soundtracks which are at the heart of home theater you need to hook up your
DVD player with digital audio connections. You can do this by either a coaxial or an optical connection, you don’t
need to do both. The quality of these two types of connections is the same but since some digital components
only have one type of digital terminal you need to figure out which yours has and hook it up to the appropriate
terminal on the receiver. In order to do this you will need the proper cable. For coaxial connections you can use a
regular RCA stereo cord or the specially-made coaxial cords, they have the same type of plugs. For optical
connections you will need a special optical cord which you can buy at your local stereo store. Also hook up the
video connection of your DVD player, the analog audio (for recording the audio on DVDs, use regular RCA stereo
cords), and your TV (it's easiest to use a regular composite RCA video cords) as shown below. It is important
that you hook up your TV (or monitor) in order to see a video image as well as the on screen displays (OSDs)
shown by this receiver (for more on p. 16-17). We also recommend hooking up your all your digital components
to analog audio jacks. For this you can use regular RCA stereo cords.
Coaxial Digital Connection
If your DVD player has a coaxial terminal (not a PCM-only output) for the audio out hook it up using this terminal.
Follow the diagram below. This is the best scenario, as you will be able to follow the default settings of this
receiver and won't need to assign the digital inputs.
Optical Digital Connection
If your DVD player has an optical terminal (not a PCM-only output) for the audio out you can hook it up using this
following the below diagram. You will need to assign the digital input (tell the receiver which input you put your
DVD digital audio into). See page VI for this.
Quick Start Guide
(not a PCM-only output)
DVD player
OUTPUT
DIGITAL
STEREO
L
R
ANALOG
VIDEO
OUT
VIDEO
VIDEO INPUT
DVD /
LD
IN
S2 VIDEOVIDEO
VIDEOAUDIO
IN
IN
5
IN
4
IN
3
2
RF IN
(AC-3)
IN
2
IN
1
PCM/
2
/
DTS
DIGITAL
MONITOR
OUT
L
R
L
R
RCA video cord
RCA video cord
RCA stereo cord
coaxial cord
DVD player
OUTPUT
DIGITAL
STEREO
L
R
ANALOG
VIDEO
OUT
VIDEO
VIDEO INPUT
DVD /
LD
IN
S2 VIDEOVIDEO
VIDEOAUDIO
IN
IN
5
IN
4
IN
3
2
RF IN
(AC-3)
IN
2
IN
1
PCM/
2
/
DTS
DIGITAL
MONITOR
OUT
L
R
L
R
RCA video cord
RCA video cord
RCA stereo cord
optical cord
(not a PCM-only output)
V
Quick Start Guide
22
22
2 Speaker Connections
Home theater is designed to be setup with five, or seven speakers (front left & right; center; surround left &
right; and, optimally, surround back left & right) and a subwoofer but you can use this receiver with fewer
speakers. Hook up the speakers you have to the A speaker terminals on the back of the receiver. If you only
have two speakers hook them up as "FRONT." If you have three hook up the single speaker as "CENTER." Follow
the diagram on p. 19 in order to hook up all your speakers. A center speaker is very important for watching films
because the dialog comes from the center speaker in digital soundtracks. If you do not have a CENTER
speaker you must tell the receiver the CENTER channel is OFF or when you listen to digital soundtracks
you won't hear any dialog. Use the instructions on page 34-35 in order to do this.
Follow the diagram below to hook up an additional amplifier in order to use surround back speakers. These
speakers are important to hear all the sound channels on new, eight channel home theater DVDs. The diagram
below also explains how to hook up a subwoofer which provides realistic bass sounds.
Make sure you connect the speaker on the right to the right terminal and the speaker on the left to the left
terminal. Also make sure the positive and negative (+/–) terminals on the amplifier match those on the speakers.
33
33
3 Setting up the Remote Control & Unit
1 Put the batteries in the REMOTE CONTROL.
2 Plug the main unit into a wall outlet.
3 Press the STANDBY/ON button to put the receiver in ON mode.
R
L (Single)
SURROUND
BACK
PRE OUT
SUB
WOOFER
Surround back
speaker (Right)
Surround back
speaker (Left)
INPUT
Powered
subwoofer
Additional Amplifier (See p.21)
INPUT
L
L
R
R
ANALOG
FRONT
SPEAKERS
L
L
R
R
RCA stereo cord
RCA audio cord
VI
Quick Start Guide
44
44
4 Digital Input Assignment
This is only necessary if you did not hook up your DVD to DIGITAL IN 1, as in the first diagram on p. IV.
3
5
6
7
4
System Setup
SPEAKER
SETTING
CROSSOVER
NETWORK
BASS PEAK LEVEL
MANAGER
DYNAMIC RANGE
CONTROL
DIGITAL INPUT
SELECT
MULTI ROOM
CHANNEL DELAY
CHANNEL LEVEL
BACK
VCR1
VCR1
LINE
DIGITAL IN 3
MD
DIGITAL IN 1
DVD
VCR1
OFF DVD/LD
RECEIVER
DVD/LD
TV/SAT
VCR1
VCR2
REMOTE
SETUP
MD/TAPE1
CD
TUNER
TV
CONTROL
SPEAKER
A/B
TONE
CH
SELECT
Receiver
MAIN SUB
TREBLE
SYSTEM
SETUP
CH
LEVEL
INPUT
ATT.
BASS
FL
DIMMER
TAPE 2
MONITOR
1 Turn on the receiver and your TV,
press the RECEIVER on the remote
control.
2 Press the SUB button on the
remote control.
3 Press the SYSTEM SETUP button.
4 Press the DIGITAL INPUT SELECT
button.
5 Press the DIGITAL IN 3 button which
should correspond to the digital in jack
you hooked your DVD up to (as in the
optical digital connection diagram on
p.IV).
6 At the bottom of the remote
control the functions available will
appear. Press the DVD/LD button.
7 Press the SETUP OK button.
Hold the remote control pointed towards the receiver
until you see the “RECEIVED” display on the
receiver.
If "ERROR" flashes in the display, perform the setup
operations from the first step again.
12
VII
55
55
5 Playing a DVD with Surround Sound
1 Turn on the receiver, your TV, and the DVD player.
2 Press the STANDARD button on the front panel for the basic surround
sound setting.
You can also press the remote control RECEIVER button and then press the STANDARD button on that
screen.
3 Press the DVD/LD button on the remote control.
You should see "DVD/LD" in the display on the receiver.
4 Play a DVD.
66
66
6 For Better Surround Sound
1 Go through the entire "system setup" procedures as outlined on pages
32-41 of this instruction manual.
If you don't hook up any other components with digital audio or do so following the default settings of
the receiver (see p. 14) you won't have to assign any more digital inputs, but many other adjustments
will improve the sound tremendously.
2 Experiment with the different sound settings offered with the 2 / DTS
and DSP buttons.
For more information see p. 43-47.
3 As mentioned above you should go through the "speaker setup" instructions
on pages 32-41 to set up your speakers properly. If you don't do this you, at
least, need to make sure the CENTER channel is turned off if you don't have a
center speaker. Use the instructions on pages 32-35 to get the display below
on your remote control.
If you don't have a center speaker press the CENTER button until the box
appears empty. Then press the SETUP OK button to EXIT and go back to the
System Setup screen.
Quick Start Guide
++
+
+
Speaker Setting
SETUP
OK
FREE
THX
Front
L
Center
Front
R
Sub
woofer
Surround
L
Surround
R
Surround back (not hooked up)
BACK
(not hooked up)
8
Multi Channel Stereophonic Concept
The VSX-39TX receiver is constructed with Pioneer’s industry-leading multi channel stereophonic concept. This
well-developed approach to receiver circuitry takes the high level base technology that, up until now, has been
only used for stereo equipment and applies it to multi-channel audio-visual receivers. The result is that the
product, in addition to being expertly built, and gives you optimal sound reproduction of DVDs, other multi
channel sources and stereo sources as well. This receiver is designed capture to a true reproduction of the
intentions of a filmmaker or music producer at the time they were mastering the soundtrack in the studio. It
incorporates 5 independent 120 watt built in power amplifiers, with high-performance Hex power Direct Power
MOS FET output transistors. This construction provides improved linearity and accurate representation of each
channel for true high fidelity reproduction from even the most demanding Dolby Digital and DTS program
sources. In addition, the amplifier uses Direct Construction and a Direct Current Bus Bar to give the purest sound
available. All these elements consolidated in one receiver afford the listener a new surround sound experience
in his or her home.
Universal Player Compatibility
This receiver incorporates the latest technology and is able to handle cutting edge audio formats, like DVD Audio,
which are just hitting the market. Its high compatibility offers a variety of inputs to decode all types of sources at
the highest possible quality. The receiver’s multi channel in connections lets you hook up eight discrete channels
of audio. It also has multi channel direct inputs and the ability to decode the cutting edge formats.
Decoding of Next Generation Digital Source Film Formats
Built into this receiver is the latest in film sound format technology. This technology includes the recent THX
SURROUND EX and HOME THX CINEMA surround modes which employ special processing to allow you to
enjoy movie soundtracks with the same level of power and realism you experience in well-designed movie
theaters. The THX SURROUND EX mode has been especially designed to incorporate surround back channels
that some new source material uses. This receiver has the ability to decode Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic and
DTS (Digital Theater Systems) sources, which are the standards of home theater today. It also offers component
video terminals for the sharpest video transmission available to the consumer.
Advanced Theater Modes & DSP Surround Modes
Advanced Theater modes enhance the sound of either film or music so a more dramatic effect can be achieved.
The four modes are each designed to accentuate specific sound qualities, giving the listener a wide range of
possibilities. DSP (Digital Signal Processing) surround modes give you the capability of transforming your living
room into seven different sonic environments when listening to music.
Midnight Mode, Digital Noise Reduction & 7 Channel Tone Control
The Midnight mode allows you to obtain excellent surround sound effects even when listening at low volumes,
something that was previously impossible. Digital noise reduction filters out unwanted noise from recordings to
give you a clearer sound and the 7 channel tone control allows you to adjust the treble and bass of each channel
individually to suit your listening tastes.
New LCD Touch Panel Remote Control
This touch sensitive screen remote control is the latest in convenient technology. It's easily viewed screen can
access a huge amount of different buttons. Instead of the old method where one button had to perform many
tasks, this remote can instantly change screens, allowing one button to have just one, clearly marked purpose.
This remote can be used to operate a variety of other components simply by recalling the appropriate setup
codes or by using the learning function to teach the remote control new commands. In addition, you can
personalize your remote control with the key rename and item memo functions so that it reflects your personal
home set up. The remote also has a lock feature to make sure none of the settings are changed accidentally.
The Energy-saving Design
This unit is designed to use less than 1 W of energy when the receiver is in standby mode.
Features
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories.
“Dolby”, “AC-3”, “Pro Logic”, and double-D symbol
are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Confidential
unpublished works. © 1992 - 1997 Dolby Laboratories.
All rights reserved.
“DTS”, "ES" and “DTS Digital Surround” are trademarks of Digital
Theater Systems, Inc. Manufactured under licence from Digital
Theater Systems, Inc.
Manufactured under license from
Lucasfilm Ltd. U.S. patent numbers
5,043,970; 5,189,703; and/or 5,222,059.
European patent number 0323830. Other
U.S. and foreign patents pending.
Lucasfilm and THX are registered
trademarks of Lucasfilm Ltd. Surround EX
is a trademark of Dolby Labs. Used under
authorization.
9
PREPARATIONPREPARATION
Table of Contents
Before You Start ................................. 10
Checking the Supplied Accessories ........................ 10
How to Use This Manual .......................................... 10
Preparing the Remote Control ................................. 10
Loading the batteries ............................................ 10
Remote Control Battery Alarm ............................ 11
The Touch Pen & Lock .......................................... 11
Remote Control Cushions .................................... 11
Operating range of remote control unit .............. 11
Installing the Receiver .............................................. 11
Opening the Front Panel .......................................... 11
Connecting Your Equipment ............. 12
Audio Components ................................................... 12
Cassette deck placement ...................................... 12
Digital Connections .................................................. 13
Example Connection for a DVD/LD or LD player .... 14
Digital Input Assignment ..................................... 14
Video Components ................................................... 15
Satellite TV Components ......................................... 16
TV ............................................................................... 17
Multi Channel Input (External Decoder) ................. 17
Connecting the Radio Antennas .............................. 18
Using outdoor antennas ...................................... 18
Speakers .................................................................... 19
Placing Your Speakers .............................................. 20
Speaker placement ............................................... 20
Connecting additional amplifiers ............................ 21
Plugging In ................................................................ 21
Displays & Controls ........................... 22
Front Panel ................................................................ 22
Display ....................................................................... 24
Remote Control ......................................................... 26
Basic Receiver LCD Screens .................................... 27
Receiver MAIN screen .......................................... 27
Receiver SUB screen ............................................ 28
Initial Set Up ....................................... 29
On Screen Display .................................................... 29
Switching video system between
PAL and NTSC .................................................. 29
Setting Up the Remote Control ............................... 30
Setting Up for Surround Sound .............................. 32
DIGITAL INPUT SELECT ....................................... 33
SPEAKER SETTING ............................................... 34
CHANNEL DELAY ................................................. 36
CHANNEL LEVEL .................................................. 37
CROSSOVER NETWORK ...................................... 39
BASS PEAK LEVEL MANAGER ............................ 40
DYNAMIC RANGE CONTROL .............................. 41
DUAL MONO SETTING ............................................ 42
Basic Playback .................................... 43
Sound Modes ............................................................ 43
STANDARD modes ............................................... 43
HOME THX CINEMA modes ................................ 43
ADVANCED THEATER modes .............................. 44
DSP mode .............................................................. 45
STEREO modes ..................................................... 45
Selecting a Sound Mode .......................................... 46
Using surround sound ......................................... 46
Playing Sources with
Dolby Digital or DTS Sound ..................................... 47
Playing Sources with Stereo Sound ....................... 48
Switching ANALOG/DIGITAL Signal Input ......... 49
Reducing Noise During Playback
(DIGITAL NR Function) ..................................... 50
Listening in MIDNIGHT Mode .............................. 50
Listening in LOUDNESS Mode ............................ 51
Adjusting Bass and Treble (Tone Control) .......... 51
MULTI CHANNEL IN Playback ............................. 52
MULTI CHANNEL IN Setting ................................ 52
96kHz 24bit Performance ..................................... 52
Direct Playback ...................................................... 53
Adjusting the Brightness of the Display ............. 53
Using the Tuner .................................. 54
Automatic and Manual Tuning ................................ 54
MPX Mode ............................................................. 54
Direct Access Tuning ................................................ 55
Memorizing Frequently Used Stations ................... 56
Recalling Memorized Stations ................................. 57
Remote Control
of Other Components ........................ 58
Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other
Components .............................................................. 58
Recalling Settings Stored in the Remote Control .... 58
Learning Mode: Programming Signals
from Other Remote Controls ........................... 60
Locking the Settings ................................................. 61
Item Memo ................................................................ 62
Key Rename .............................................................. 63
Using Remote Control with Other Components .... 64
DVD or LD player operations ............................... 64
CD player operations ............................................ 65
MD operations ...................................................... 66
TV operations ........................................................ 67
CATV operations ................................................... 68
STB (DTV) operations ........................................... 68
STB (satellite tuner) operations ........................... 69
Cassette deck operations ..................................... 70
VCR operations ..................................................... 71
Other screen for preset operations ..................... 71
Using Other Functions....................... 72
Recording from Audio Components ....................... 72
Recording from Video Components ....................... 72
Video Select .............................................................. 73
Multi Operations ....................................................... 74
Performing multi operations ............................... 75
System OFF ............................................................... 76
Using SYSTEM OFF .............................................. 77
Setting up the DIRECT FUNCTION .......................... 78
Resetting the Remote Control ................................. 78
Multi-Room ............................................................... 79
MULTI-ROOM connections .................................. 79
MULTI-ROOM set up ............................................ 80
Using the front panel with the
MULTI-ROOM system ....................................... 81
Using the remote control with the
MULTI-ROOM system ....................................... 82
The PIONEER SR System Operating other
PIONEER components ...................................... 83
Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving ... 84
Dolby Digital .............................................................. 84
DTS ............................................................................ 85
THX ............................................................................ 85
Troubleshooting ........................................................ 84
Specifications ............................................................ 87
SET
UP
OPERATION
10
Before You Start
Checking the Supplied Accessories
Please check that you have received all of the following supplied accessories.
How to Use This Manual
Preparing the Remote Control
Loading the batteries
Load the batteries into the remote control as shown below. The remote control uses a lot of power due to the
LCD display so please use alkaline batteries. Depending on individual use you may have to change the batteries
fairly often but most users should be able to get an average of 1-3 months of battery life. When you notice a
decrease in the operating range or if the alarm sounds (see next page), replace all batteries with new ones.
NOTE: After replacing the batteries, the touch panel will need re-adjusting (see p.30-31).
ª
ª
ª
ª
·
·
·
·
12 3
\
\
CAUTION!
Incorrect use of batteries may result in such hazards as leakage and bursting. Observe the following precautions.
• Never use new and old batteries together.
• Insert the plus and minus sides of the batteries properly according to the marks in the battery case.
• Batteries with the same shape may have different voltages. Do not use different batteries together.
• When disposing of used batteries, please comply with governmental regulations or environmental public institution’s
rules that apply in your country / area.
This manual is for the VSX-39TX Audio/Video Multi-
Channel Receiver.
This manual is divided into three main sections which
will tell you how to setup and use the unit :
PREPARATION
First carry out the tasks below in this “Before You
Start“ section to prepare the remote control, then
connect the receiver to your other components as
described in “Connecting Your Equipment“ (p.12-21).
Take special care to connect your digital equipment
like DVDs and LDs properly to be able to take
advantage of the receiver’s surround sound systems.
To learn about a specific button, control, or indicator,
see “Displays & Controls“ starting on p.22.
SET UP
Performing the tasks in “Initial Set Up“ (from p.29) is
essential to get proper surround sound.
OPERATION
To play some music or soundtrack refer to “Basic
Playback“ on p.43. “Using the Tuner“ (p.54) explains
“AA” IEC LR6
batteries x 4
FM wire Antenna
AM Loop Antenna
Remote Control Unit
Touch Pen
Cushion for
Remote x 4
memo
“AA” IEC LR6
batteries x 4
(attached to the back
of the remote control)
how to use the radio of this unit. Doing the operations
in “Remote Control of Other Components“ (p.58) is
highly recommended so you can use this unit’s
remote control for all your components. “Using Other
Functions“ (p.72) explain the other possibilities of the
receiver.
“Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving“ (p.84) provide
detailed technical information and a troubleshooting
guide.
The following marks and symbols are used throughout
the manual:
Provides additional information,
precautions, and advice.
Indicates a blinking button, indicator, or
display.
Indicates a steadily lit button, indicator, or
display.
Operating Instructions
11
PREPARATIONPREPARATION
Before You Start
8 inches (20 cm)
lock switch
Touch pen
Receiver
Installing the Receiver
Please note:
• Do not place objects directly on top of this unit. This would prevent
proper heat dispersal.
• When installing in a rack, shelf, etc., be sure to leave more than 8
inches of space above the receiver.
Opening the Front Panel
To open the front panel push gently on the lower third of the panel with your
finger.
Change Battery !!
OK ?
SIZE AA, LR6SIZE AA, LR6
Remote Control Cushions
Apply the cushions to the feet of the remote control as shown in the
diagram right.
Operating range of remote control unit
The area in which you can use the remote control to operate
the VSX-39TX is fairly large. To use, point the remote control
toward the remote sensor on the front panel of this unit
while within the range shown right.
Remote control may not function properly if:
• There are obstacles between the remote control and the
remote sensor.
• Direct sunlight or fluorescent light is shining onto the
remote sensor.
• The receiver located near a device emitting infrared rays.
• Operated simultaneously with another remote control
which uses infrared rays.
30
30
23 feet (7m)
Remote Control Battery Alarm
When the batteries get too weak to operate the remote control properly an alarm
will sound and a warning screen will appear on the remote. Change the batteries as
shown on the previous page.
The Touch Pen & Lock
The touch pen is located in the back right-hand corner of the
remote control. Take it out by sliding your finger along the bottom
right edge of the remote control and then grasping the pen with
thumb and forefinger.
The lock switch is located in the top right-hand corner on the back
of the remote control. When this switch is set to LOCK you can’t
use the buttons on the remote control. This is helpful to prevent
you from mistakenly pushing a button. For normal use keep the
switch set in USE.
12
Audio Components
To begin set up connect your audio components to the jacks as shown below. These are all analog
connections and your analog audio components (turntable, cassette deck) use these jacks. Remember
that for components you want to record with you need to hook up four plugs (a set of stereo ins and a set
of stereo outs), but for components that only play (like a turntable) you only need to hook up one set of
stereo plugs (two plugs). To use DTS or Dolby Digital surround sound features you must hook up your
digital components to the digital inputs (see p. 13). We also recommend hooking up your digital compo-
nents to analog audio jacks. If you want to record to/from digital components (like an MD) to/from analog
components you must hook up your digital equipment with these analog connections. See p.13 &14 for
more on digital connections.
Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from
the AC outlet.
*The arrows indicate the direction of the audio signal.
If your turntable
has a ground
wire, connect it
to the SIGNAL
GND terminal.
7 Audio cords
Use audio cords (not supplied) to connect
the audio components.
Connect red plugs to
R (right) and white
plugs to L (left).
Be sure to insert
completely.
L
R
Cassette deck placement
Depending on where the cassette deck is placed,
noise may occur during playback of your cassette
deck which is caused by leakage flux from the
transformer in the receiver. If you experience
noise, move the cassette deck farther away from
the receiver.
CD
IN
SURR-
OUND
SUB
WOOFER
SUB
WOOFER
CENTER
FRONT
MULTI CH IN
SURR-
OUND
RL
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L (Single)
R
R
L
L
R
L
R
L
FRONT
AUDIO
PRE OUT
CENTER
COMPONENT VIDEO
DVD/LD
IN
TV/SAT
IN
Y
P
B
P
R
MONITOR
OUT
MONITOR
OUT
MONITOR
OUT
P
B
P
R
Y
MULTI CH IN
SURROUND
BACK
SURROUND
BACK
PRE OUT
DVD /
LD
IN
S2 VIDEOVIDEO
VIDEOAUDIO
IN
TV /
SAT
IN
IN
OUT
IN
VCR1 /
DVR
OUT
IN
OUT
IN
VCR2
OUT
IN
CONTROL
MULTI-ROOM
&
SOURCE
IN
OUT
MD /
TAPE1/
CD-R
PLAY
REC
TAPE2
MONITOR
PLAY
REC
PCM/
2
/
DTS
DIGITAL
IN
5
IN
4
IN
3
2
RF IN
(AC-3)
IN
2
IN
1
IN
PHONO
FM UNBAL
75‰
FM
ANTENNA
AM LOOP
ANTENNA
OUTOUT
21
MULTI-
ROOM
&
SOURCE
OUT
REMOTE
IN
CD player
Turntable
OUTPUT
L
R
ANALOG
Recorder 1 (MD/Tape)
OUTPUT
(PLAY)
L
R
INPUT
(REC)
L
R
ANALOG
Recorder 2 (MD/Tape)
OUTPUT
(PLAY)
L
R
INPUT
(REC)
L
R
ANALOG
Connecting Your Equipment
Please don't hook up any other component to the phono jacks other than a turntable. It could damage the
equipment. If your turntable has a built-in amplifier please hook it up to an input other than PHONO.
13
PREPARATION
Digital Connections
In order to use Dolby Digital/DTS soundtracks which are at the heart of home theater you need to make
digital audio connections. You can do this by either a coaxial or an optical connection (you don’t need to do
both). The quality of these two types of connections is the same but since some digital components only
have one type of digital terminal, it is a matter of matching like with like (for example, the coaxial out from
the component to coaxial in on the receiver). The VSX-39TX has two coaxial and three optical inputs for a
total of five digital inputs. A DVD/LD player or LD player should be connected to a digital jack and the
special 2 RF jack (if the LD has one) as well as a pair of analog jacks (see the next page). If possible hook
up your digital equipment in accordance with this receiver's default settings, see "Digital Input Assign-
ment", below left, in order to do this. We also recommend hooking up your digital components to analog
audio jacks in order to make recording from some digital sources which may be copy protected.
Connect your digital components as shown below.
There are two optical digital out jacks (the MD recorder is connected to one in the diagram below). If you
connect this to the optical input on a digital recorder (currently these include MD, DAT and CD-R) you can
make direct digital recordings with this unit.
Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from
the AC outlet.
*The arrows indicate the direction of the audio signal.
7 Coaxial cords/Optical cables
Commercially available digital audio coaxial
cords (standard video cords can also be used) or
optical cables (not supplied) are used to connect
digital components to this receiver.
When you use optical digital input or output
terminals, pull off the caps and insert the plugs.
Be sure to insert completely.
Coaxial cord
(or standard video cord)
Optical cable
CD
IN
SURR-
OUND
SUB
WOOFER
SUB
WOOFER
CENTER
FRONT
MULTI CH IN
SURR-
OUND
RL
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L (Single)
R
R
L
L
R
L
R
L
FRONT
AUDIO
PRE OUT
CENTER
COMPONENT VIDEO
DVD/LD
IN
TV/SAT
IN
Y
P
B
P
R
MONITOR
OUT
MONITOR
OUT
MONITOR
OUT
P
B
P
R
Y
MULTI CH IN
SURROUND
BACK
SURROUND
BACK
PRE OUT
DVD /
LD
IN
S2 VIDEOVIDEO
VIDEOAUDIO
IN
TV /
SAT
IN
IN
OUT
IN
VCR1 /
DVR
OUT
IN
OUT
IN
VCR2
OUT
IN
CONTROL
MULTI-ROOM
&
SOURCE
IN
OUT
MD /
TAPE1/
CD-R
PLAY
REC
TAPE2
MONITOR
PLAY
REC
PCM/
2
/
DTS
DIGITAL
IN
5
IN
4
IN
3
2
RF IN
(AC-3)
IN
2
IN
1
IN
PHONO
FM UNBAL
75‰
FM
ANTENNA
AM LOOP
ANTENNA
OUTOUT
21
MULTI-
ROOM
&
SOURCE
OUT
REMOTE
IN
MD recorder
OUTPUT
(PLAY)
INPUT
(REC)
DIGITAL
TV tuner
DVD player
OUTPUT
DIGITAL
OUTPUT
DIGITAL
CD player
OUTPUT
DIGITAL
Connecting Your Equipment
(not a PCM-only output)
14
Example Connection for a DVD/LD or LD player
Make sure you connect your DVD/LD or LD players using both the 2 RF jack and either a coaxial or
optical (you don't need to do both of these) digital connections. If your player has an 2 RF output this will
ensure you can use all LDs (see p. 15).
We also recommend hooking up your digital components to analog audio jacks.
Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from
the AC outlet.
*The arrows indicate the direction of the video signal.
memo
CD
IN
SURR-
OUND
SUB
WOOFER
SUB
WOOFER
CENTER
FRONT
MULTI CH IN
SURR-
OUND
RL
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L (Single)
R
R
L
L
R
L
R
L
FRONT
AUDIO
PRE OUT
CENTER
COMPONENT VIDEO
DVD/LD
IN
TV/SAT
IN
Y
P
B
P
R
MONITOR
OUT
MONITOR
OUT
MONITOR
OUT
P
B
P
R
Y
MULTI CH IN
SURROUND
BACK
SURROUND
BACK
PRE OUT
DVD /
LD
IN
S2 VIDEOVIDEO
VIDEO
AUDIO
IN
TV /
SAT
IN
IN
OUT
IN
VCR1 /
DVR
OUT
IN
OUT
IN
VCR2
OUT
IN
CONTROL
MULTI-ROOM
&
SOURCE
IN
OUT
MD /
TAPE1/
CD-R
PLAY
REC
TAPE2
MONITOR
PLAY
REC
PCM/
2
/
DTS
DIGITAL
IN
5
IN
4
IN
3
2
RF IN
(AC-3)
IN
2
IN
1
IN
PHONO
FM UNBAL
75‰
FM
ANTENNA
AM LOOP
ANTENNA
OUTOUT
21
MULTI-
ROOM
&
SOURCE
OUT
REMOTE
IN
DVD/LD player
or LD player
1
23
DIGITAL OUT
(AC-3)(LD)
RF OUT
2
COMPO-
NENT
VIDEO
OUT
VIDEO
S-VIDEO
P
B
Y
P
R
STEREO
L
R
ANALOG
Digital Input Assignment
Unlike analog connections, the jacks for digital connections are not dedicated to one type of component,
they can be used freely. Thus you must tell the receiver what digital component in which jack so your
components will be in sync with the names on the remote control buttons and the like. To avoid having to
assign the digital inputs you can hook up your equipment in accordance with the receiver's default
settings.
The default are:
DIGITAL IN 1: DVD/LD
DIGITAL IN 2: CD
DIGITAL IN 3: MD
DIGITAL IN 4: TV/SAT
DIGITAL IN 5: VCR 1
AC-3 RF: DVD/LD
You will notice that Digital IN 1, for example, is a coaxial jack. If your DVD/LD player only has an optical out
jack on it then you won't be able to hook up your components in accordance with the VSX-39TX's default
setting. In this case you will need to assign the digital inputs. See DIGITAL INPUT SELECT on p.33 in
order to do this.
Connecting Your Equipment
Be sure to make either a digital coaxial or digital optical connection (pictured as DIGITAL jack 1
or DIGITAL jack 3 in this diagram) as well, but you DON'T need to make both.
Also, be sure to assign the jacks to the proper component(s) with the DIGITAL INPUT SELECT
procedure (see p.33) if necessary. See the explanation on the left for details.
(not a PCM-only output)
15
PREPARATION
Video Components
Connect your video components to the jacks as shown below. Regarding a DVD there are two types of
connections to make. Hook up your video signal with either component video, S-video, or composite video
cords (the quality descends in this order) but remember, the video component you are watching and your
TV must be hooked up with same type of video cord or you won't be able to see the picture. For the audio
signal, order to use Dolby Digital/DTS you must hook up a digital input. It is also a good idea to hook up
your DVD components with analog audio connections as well, since some DVDs may not have a digital
audio track. To cover all possible laser discs a DVD/LD player or LD player requires an analog connection
and two digital connections (a coaxial or optical and a specialized 2 RF connection shown at the very top
of the first diagram below).
Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from
the AC outlet.
*The arrows indicate the direction of the video signal.
CD
IN
SURR-
OUND
SUB
WOOFER
SUB
WOOFER
CENTER
FRONT
MULTI CH IN
SURR-
OUND
RL
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L (Single)
R
R
L
L
R
L
R
L
FRONT
AUDIO
PRE OUT
CENTER
COMPONENT VIDEO
DVD/LD
IN
TV/SAT
IN
Y
P
B
P
R
MONITOR
OUT
MONITOR
OUT 1
MONITOR
OUT
P
B
P
R
Y
MULTI CH IN
SURROUND
BACK
SURROUND
BACK
PRE OUT
DVD /
LD
IN
S2 VIDEOVIDEO
VIDEOAUDIO
IN
TV /
SAT
IN
IN
OUT
IN
VCR1 /
DVR
OUT
IN
OUT
IN
VCR2
OUT
IN
CONTROL
MULTI-ROOM
&
SOURCE
IN
OUT
MD /
TAPE1/
CD-R
PLAY
REC
TAPE2
MONITOR
PLAY
REC
PCM/
2
/
DTS
DIGITAL
IN
5
IN
4
IN
3
2
RF IN
(AC-3)
IN
2
IN
1
IN
PHONO
FM UNBAL
75‰
FM
ANTENNA
AM LOOP
ANTENNA
OUTOUT
21
MULTI-
ROOM
&
SOURCE
OUT
REMOTE
IN
DVD/LD player
COMPO-
NENT
VIDEO
OUT
L
VIDEO
STEREO
L
R
DIGITAL
ANALOG
PCM/
2
/ DTS
DIGITAL
S-VIDEO
Y
P
B
P
R
RF OUT (LD)
2
RF OUT
(LD)
VIDEO
OUT
REMOTE IN
CD
IN
SURR-
OUND
SUB
WOOFER
CENTER
FRONT
MULTI CH IN
SURR-
OUND
RL
R
R
R
L
L
RL
L
R
L
FRONT
PRE OUT
CENTER
COMPONENT VIDEO
DVD/LD
IN
TV/SAT
IN
Y
P
B
P
R
OUT
P
B
P
R
Y
MULTI CH IN
SURROUND
BACK
SURROUND
BACK
PRE OUT
MULTI-ROOM&
SOURCE
DVD /
LD
IN
S2 VIDEOVIDEO
VIDEOAUDIO
IN
TV /
SAT
IN
IN
OUT
IN
VCR1 /
DVR
OUT
IN
OUT
IN
VCR2
OUT
IN
MONITOR
OUT
CONTROL
IN
OUT
MD /
TAPE1/
MD
PLAY
REC
TAPE2
MONITOR
PLAY
REC
PCM/
2
/
DTS
DIGITAL
IN
5
IN
4
IN
3
2
RF IN
(LD)
IN
2
IN
1
IN
PHONO
FM UNBAL
75‰
FM
ANTENNA
AM LOOP
ANTENNA
MULTI-
ROOM
&
SOURCE
OUT
AUDIO
OUTOUT
21
SUB
WOOFER
PHONES
S-VIDEO VIDEO L AUDIO R
VIDEO INPUT
LV
R
VIDEO INPUT
VCR 1/DVR
VCR 2
VIDEO
S-VIDEO
VIDEO
S-VIDEO
AUDIO
(PLAY)
L
R
AUDIO
(REC)
L
R
S-VIDEO
VIDEOVIDEO
S-VIDEO
AUDIO
(PLAY)
L
R
AUDIO
(REC)
L
R
OUT IN
OUT IN
Connecting DVD/LD players
Connecting VCRs or DVRs
LD player only
Connecting Your Equipment
Front video connections are accessed via the
front panel input selector as "VIDEO."
7 Front
If you hook up your DVD/LD
player using component video
connections be sure to select
component video output on
your DVD player as well. See
you DVD manual for details.
If your video components have S-video jacks,
you could use S-video cords (not supplied) to
connect them on the back of the receiver. These jacks
are labeled by the Japanese designation "S2" on the
VSX-39TX but they are simply S-video jacks.
However, if you use S-video cords for your video hook
ups you must also hook up your TV with S-video
connections. Conversely, if you use regular composite
video cords for video hook ups, you should use them
for your TV as well.
memo
(not a PCM-only output)
16
Connecting Your Equipment
REMOTE IN
CD
IN
SURR-
OUND
SUB
WOOFER
SUB
WOOFER
CENTER
FRONT
MULTI CH IN
SURR-
OUND
R
R
RL
RL
L
L(Single)
R
R
L
R
FRONT
PRE OUT
CENTER
COMPONENT VIDEO
DVD/LD
IN
TV/SAT
IN
Y
P
B
P
R
MONITOR
OUT
P
B
P
R
Y
MULTI CH IN
SURROUND
BACK
SURROUND
BACK
PRE OUT
DVD /
LD
IN
S2 VIDEOVIDEO
VIDEOAUDIO
IN
TV /
SAT
IN
IN
OUT
IN
VCR1 /
DVR
OUT
IN
OUT
IN
VCR2
OUT
IN
MD /
TAPE1/
MD
PLAY
REC
TAPE2
MONITOR
PLAY
REC
PCM/
2
/
DTS
DIGITAL
IN
5
IN
4
IN
3
2
RF IN
(LD)
IN
2
IN
1
IN
PHONO
FM UNBAL
75‰
FM
ANTENNA
AM LOOP
ANTENNA
MULTI-
ROOM
&
SOURCE
OUT
AUDIO
OUTOUT
21
MONITOR
OUT
MONITOR
OUT
CONTROL
MULTI-ROOM
&
SOURCE
IN
OUT
REMOTE
IN
TV/Satellite tuner
COMPO-
NENT
VIDEO
OUT
VIDEO
STEREO
L
R
DIGITAL
ANALOG
DIGITAL
S-VIDEO
Y
P
B
P
R
Satellite TV Components
Connect your satellite TV components to the jacks as shown below. Hook up the video signal with either
component video, S-video, or composite video cords (the quality descends in this order) but remember,
the video component you are watching and your TV must be hooked up with same type of video cord or
you won't be able to see the picture. For the audio signal, order to use digital soundtracks (sometimes
broadcast over digital satellite TV) you must hook up a digital input. Use either a coaxial or optical cables, it
doesn't matter which (you don't need to use both). It's also a good idea to hook up your audio with analog
cables (see below). This connection is called STEREO AUDIO OUT in the diagram.
Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from
the AC outlet.
*The arrows indicate the direction of the TV signal.
7
Digital audio coaxial cords/ Optical
cables
Commercially available digital audio coaxial
cords (standard video cords can also be
used) or optical cables (not supplied) are
used to connect digital components to this
receiver.
When you use optical digital input or output
terminals, pull off the caps and insert the
plugs. Be sure to insert completely.
Digital audio
coaxial cord
(or standard
video cord)
Optical cable
7 Analog audio/video cords
Use audio/video cords (not supplied) to
connect the video components and a video
cord to connect the monitor TV.
Connect red plugs to R (right), white plugs to
L (left), and the yellow plugs to VIDEO.
Be sure to insert completely.
L
R
VIDEO
17
PREPARATION
Connecting Your Equipment
TV
Connect your TV to the jacks as shown below. Hook up the signal with either component video, S-video,
or composite video cords (the quality descends in this order) but remember, the video component you are
watching and your TV must be hooked up with same type of video cord or you won't be able to see the
picture.
Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from
the AC outlet.
CD
IN
SURR-
OUND
SUB
WOOFER
SUB
WOOFER
CENTER
FRONT
MULTI CH IN
SURR-
OUND
RL
R
R
R
L
L
R
L
L
R
L
R
L
R
L (SINGLE)
FRONT
PRE OUT
CENTER
COMPONENT VIDEO
DVD/LD
IN
TV/SAT
IN
Y
P
B
P
R
MONITOR
OUT
P
B
P
R
Y
MULTI CH IN
SURROUND
BACK
SURROUND
BACK
PRE OUT
DVD /
LD
IN
S2 VIDEOVIDEO
VIDEOAUDIO
IN
TV /
SAT
IN
IN
OUT
IN
VCR1 /
DVR
OUT
IN
OUT
IN
VCR2
OUT
IN
MD /
TAPE1/
MD
PLAY
REC
TAPE2
MONITOR
PLAY
REC
PCM/
2
/
DTS
DIGITAL
IN
5
IN
4
IN
3
2
RF IN
(LD)
IN
2
IN
1
IN
PHONO
FM UNBAL
75‰
FM
ANTENNA
AM LOOP
ANTENNA
MULTI-
ROOM
&
SOURCE
OUT
AUDIO
OUTOUT
21
MONITOR
OUT
MONITOR
OUT
CONTROL
MULTI-ROOM
&
SOURCE
IN
OUT
REMOTE
IN
TV/monitor
COMPO-
NENT
VIDEO
VIDEO IN
S-VIDEO
Y
P
B
P
R
Multi Channel Input (External Decoder)
In some cases you may want to have your source material (DVD, etc.) decoded externally. If you find you
need a multi channel external decoder hook one up as shown below, but for most people this component
is unnecessary (For more on this see p.52).
Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from
the AC outlet.
CD
IN
SURR-
OUND
SUB
WOOFER
CENTER
FRONT
MULTI CH IN
SURR-
OUND
RL
R
R
R
L
L
R
L
L
R
L
R
L
R
R
L
FRONT
PRE OUT
CENTER
COMPONENT VIDEO
DVD/LD
IN
TV/SAT
IN
Y
P
B
P
R
MONITOR
OUT
P
B
P
R
Y
MULTI CH IN
SURROUND
BACK
SURROUND
BACK
PRE OUT
DVD /
LD
IN
S2 VIDEOVIDEO
VIDEOAUDIO
IN
TV /
SAT
IN
IN
OUT
IN
VCR1 /
DVR
OUT
IN
OUT
IN
VCR2
OUT
IN
IN
MD /
TAPE1/
MD
PLAY
REC
TAPE2
MONITOR
PLAY
REC
PCM/
2
/
DTS
DIGITAL
IN
5
IN
4
IN
3
2
RF IN
(LD)
IN
2
IN
1
IN
PHONO
FM UNBAL
75‰
FM
ANTENNA
AM LOOP
ANTENNA
MULTI-
ROOM
&
SOURCE
AUDIO
OUTOUT
21
SUB
WOOFER
MONITOR
OUT
MONITOR
OUT
CONTROL
MULTI-ROOM
&
SOURCE
OUT
REMOTE
IN
Components equipped with
7.1 (5.1) channel analog output jack
SUB
WOOFER
SURR-
OUND BACK
L
R
CENTER
SURR-
OUND
L
R
FRONT
L
R
ANALOG
memo
The jack and COMPONENT VIDEO OUT jack can be used to get a TV picture but it doesn't
show this receiver's on screen display (OSD).
If you use S video cords to hook up a component the OSDs from the receiver will only be able
to be seen on the S video out terminals.
18
Connecting the Radio Antennas
Connect the supplied FM wire antenna and the AM loop antenna to the antenna terminals as shown
below. These antennas should provide adequate reception quality in most cases, but connecting outdoor
antennas should noticeably improve sound quality.
Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from
the AC outlet.
Using outdoor antennas
7 To improve AM reception
Connect a 15 to 18 feet (5 – 6 meter) length of vinyl-coated
wire to the AM antenna terminal in addition to the supplied
AM loop antenna.
For best possible reception, suspend horizontally outdoors.
7 To improve FM reception
Connect an external FM antenna.
FM UNBAL
75‰
FM
ANTENNA
AM LOOP
ANTENNA
Outdoor antenna
Ground
15–18 ft (5–6 m.)
Indoor antanna
(vinyl-coated wire)
AM loop antenna
FM UNBAL
75Ω
FM
ANTENNA
AM LOOP
ANTENNA
Ground
75Ω coaxial cable
Connecting Your Equipment
CD
IN
SURR-
OUND
SUB
WOOFER
SUB
WOOFER
CENTER
FRONT
MULTI CH IN
SURR-
OUND
RL
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L (Single)
R
R
L
L
R
L
R
L
FRONT
AUDIO
PRE OUT
CENTER
COMPONENT VIDEO
DVD/LD
IN
TV/SAT
IN
Y
P
B
P
R
MONITOR
OUT
MONITOR
OUT 1
MONITOR
OUT
P
B
P
R
Y
MULTI CH IN
SURROUND
BACK
SURROUND
BACK
PRE OUT
DVD /
LD
IN
S2 VIDEOVIDEO
VIDEOAUDIO
IN
TV /
SAT
IN
IN
OUT
IN
VCR1 /
DVR
OUT
IN
OUT
IN
VCR2
OUT
IN
CONTROL
MULTI-ROOM
&
SOURCE
IN
OUT
MD /
TAPE1/
CD-R
PLAY
REC
TAPE2
MONITOR
PLAY
REC
PCM/
2
/
DTS
DIGITAL
IN
5
IN
4
IN
3
2
RF IN
(AC-3)
IN
2
IN
1
IN
PHONO
FM UNBAL
75‰
FM
ANTENNA
AM LOOP
ANTENNA
OUTOUT
21
MULTI-
ROOM
&
SOURCE
OUT
REMOTE
IN
FM wire
antenna
AM loop
antenna
7 AM loop antenna
1 Assemble the antenna.
2 Twist exposed wire strands
together and insert.
3 Attach to a wall, etc. (if
desired) and face toward
the direction providing
the best reception.
3/8 in. (10 mm)
19
PREPARATION
Connecting Your Equipment
Speakers
A full complement of eight speakers is shown here but, naturally, everyone's home set up will vary.
Simply connect the speakers you have in the manner described below. The VSX-39TX will work with just
two stereo speakers (called "front" speakers in the diagram) but the receiver is designed to be used with
at least three speakers.
One of the latest features of home theater is the use of SURROUND BACK speakers. These speakers
add even great realism in movie sound effects and new discs with soundtracks in Dolby Digital or DTS
incorporates these channels. In order to be able to use these channels you must hook your SURROUND
BACK speakers up to an external amplifier and then connect that to the VSX-39TX, as shown in the
diagram below. If you only have one SURROUND BACK speaker hook it up to the SURROUND BACK L
(SINGLE) terminal on the back of the receiver.
In general, make sure you connect the speaker on the right to the right terminal and the speaker on the
left to the left terminal. Also make sure the positive and negative (+/–) terminals on the receiver match
those on the speakers.
Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from
the AC outlet.
The VSX-39TX has two speaker systems, A & B. A is the main system supporting the full
complement of surround sound speakers. If you switch on both A & B speaker systems, only
front speakers and the subwoofer will be audible. No sound will come from the center or
surround speakers but multi channel sources will be down-mixed to the active speakers so no
sound will be lost. Similarly, if you choose just the B system you‘ll only hear the front
speakers connected to the B system and multi channel sources will be down-mixed to these
two speakers.
Please use speakers with a nominal impedance rated 6Ω-16Ω.
CD
IN
SURR-
OUND
SUB
WOOFER
SUB
WOOFER
CENTER
FRONT
MULTI CH IN
SURR-
OUND
RL
R
R
R
R L(SING
L
L
RL
FRONT
PRE OUT
CENTER
DVD /
LD
IN
S2 VIDEOVIDEO
VIDEOAUDIO
IN
TV /
SAT
IN
IN
OUT
IN
VCR1 /
DVR
OUT
IN
OUT
IN
VCR2
OUT
IN
MD /
TAPE1/
MD
PLAY
REC
TAPE2
MONITOR
PLAY
REC
PCM/
2
/
DTS
DIGITAL
IN
5
IN
4
IN
3
2
RF IN
(LD)
IN
2
IN
1
IN
PHONO
FM UNBAL
75‰
FM
ANTENNA
AM LOOP
ANTENNA
MULTI-
ROOM
&
SOURCE
OUT
AUDIO
OUTOUT
21
MONITOR
OUT
MONITOR
OUT
CONTROL
MULTI-ROOM
&
SOURCE
IN
OUT
REMOTE
IN
SPEAKERS
COMPONENT VIDEO
DVD/LD
IN
TV/SAT
IN
Y
ONITOR
OUT
Y
MULTI CH IN
SURROUND
BACK
SURROUND
BACK
PRE OUT
A
FRONT CENTER SURROUND FRONT
B
SWITCHED
TOTAL 100W(0.8A)MAX
UNSWITCHED
100W(0.8A)MAX
AC120V 60Hz
AC OUTLETS
Surround back
speaker (Right)
Surround back
speaker (Left)
INPUT
Powered
subwoofer
Front
speaker (A)
(Left)
Front
speaker (A)
(Right)
TV/monitor
Center
speaker
Additional Amplifier (See p.21)
Surround
speaker
(Right)
Surround
speaker
(Left)
memo
20
Placing Your Speakers
Proper speaker placement is essential to realize the best sound from your system. The diagram and tips
given here are just a rough guide. Be sure to read the instructions that come with your speakers.
Speaker placement
If you have a multiple speaker arrangement the placement of the speakers is extremely important. To
achieve the best possible surround sound, install your speakers as shown below. Make sure all speakers
are installed securely to prevent accidents and improve sound quality. Be sure to consult your speaker
manuals for the best placement of the speakers. Some speakers are designed to be floor-standing but
others benefit greatly from speakers stands which raise them off the floor.
Connecting Your Equipment
• Install the left and right front speakers at equal distances from the TV.
• When installing speakers near the TV, we recommend using magnetically shielded speakers
to prevent possible interference such as distortion in the color of the TV screen. If you do
not have magnetically shielded speakers and notice discoloration of the TV screen, place the
speakers farther away from the TV.
• Install the center speaker above or below the TV so that the sound of the center channel is
localized at the TV screen.
CAUTION:
When installing the center speaker on top of the TV, be sure to secure it with tape or some
other suitable means. Otherwise, the speaker may fall from the TV due to external shocks
such as earthquakes, and it may lead to endangering those nearby or damaging the speaker.
• If possible, install the surround speakers slightly above ear level.
• It may be difficult to obtain a cohesive surround effect if the surround speakers are installed
farther away from the listening position than the front and center speakers.
memo
7 Speaker terminals
1 Twist exposed wire
strands together.
2 Loosen speaker terminal
and insert exposed wire.
3 Tighten
terminal.
The speaker terminals
also accept single banana
plugs.
(Refer to speaker manual
for details.)
3/8 in. (10 mm)
Surround
Left
Surround Back
Left
Surround
Right
Surround Back
Right
Listening
Position
Front
Left
Front
RightCenter
Sub
Woofer
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